When Steve Wilson stares at his painting, “Zenda is Blue Sometimes,” he’s humbled by the fact that its imagery sparks awareness of human trafficking in North County.

The acrylic work depicts a young woman behind bars.

Wilson, 70, is one of several artists at the Vista Zen Center who have joined forces in supporting the human trafficking task force of Soroptimist International of Vista, and SDS Hope House, a safe haven in North County for trafficking victims.

Wilson, a retired college professor, said he created the piece before those anti-human trafficking efforts started a few years ago.

“The painting had to do with the fact of how we are all in kind of a prison ourselves and how we try to break free from that,” Wilson said.

A year after the paint on the canvas dried, the Vista Zen Center decided to connect human trafficking with art, and “Zenda is Blue Sometimes,” spoke volumes to viewers.

“I was struck by Steve’s painting because it’s so visceral and powerful,” said Jake Gage, teacher and founder of the Vista Zen Center. “I’m excited that if our art somehow opens up one mind, it’s then widely successful.”

The artists at the Zen Center take on the human trafficking occurring in North County neighborhoods as a subject for their art.

Gretchen Means, a prosecutor in the sex crimes unit of the District Attorney’s Office, said North County is probably one of the worst area’s for sexploitation. Gangs also are involved because of prostitution’s huge financial profits.

“A lot of ... gang members are taking victims up to North County to active gangs that are pimping,” Means said. “North County has active hotbeds of prostitution.”

With the Internet, sex can be easily accessible and prostitution can take place anywhere, homes, apartments, storefronts and hotels.

Vulnerable girls, typically 14 to 16 years old, often get lured in by pimps or those posing as boyfriends.

Sheriff’s Deputy George Crysler of the North County Regional Prostitution/Human Trafficking Task Force said the common thread with most young victims is an unhappy life at home. Their need to “reach out” is a magnet for pimps.

The Task Force splits its investigations into domestic and international cases. Although forced labor is an issue, they said, sexploitation is far more prevalent.

Sister Jean Schafer, SDS Hope House cofounder, is grateful for the Vista Zen Center’s artistic efforts to raise awareness of the crime. SDS Hope House provides shelter for up to five women over age 18. They are victims of sexual exploitation, forced labor or both.

“I want to educate our citizens to be compassionate towards these persons because they are here through no fault of their own,” Schafer said. “They were duped or coerced and now they want to get on with their lives and become independent.”

Soroptimist International of Vista takes part in the North San Diego County Human Trafficking Collaborative meetings, which are open to the public. Kaye Van Nevel, Vista Soroptimist chairwoman of the effort, said the Zen Center’s artwork adds another dimension of support to their cause.

The Vista Zen Center opened in 2003 for those to study Zen Buddhism and meditation. Many of its 30 active students have natural artistic talent.

Gage said their art involves all types of mediums, including abstract pieces. Half of the proceeds from its human trafficking artwork series are split between the artist and Hope House.

“One of the aspects that I think is important within the Zen community throughout the United States is to bear witness to the suffering that’s going on around you,” Gage said. “And in this sense, we are bearing witness to the suffering of human trafficking.”